Four Winds Vineyard’s owner, Sarah Collingwood, has been selected for Wine Australia’s Future Leaders Program. The program is designed to develop participants’ leadership capabilities and encourage innovation and thoughtful debate on the future of the wine sector.

There were 16 wine industry professionals selected from a field of over 100 applicants to be part of the program in 2017.

Sarah said she was thrilled and looked forward to being challenged professionally and personally.

“It will be a great chance to connect with others in the industry, explore new technology, marketing and governance and look at ways we can incorporate this into our small business here in Murrumbateman,” she said.

“Working in a small business, I am often consumed with day-to-day operations. This program will be a great chance to take a broader view of the industry nationally and internationally.”

Wine Australia CEO Andreas Clark said the calibre of applicants again reflected the impressive talent working in the Australian grape and wine sector.

“The Future Leaders program is an opportunity to bring together emerging leaders from all parts of our sector and help them develop the skills to work collaboratively and creatively toward a common goal for long-term prosperity. It’s a unique leadership program that’s been specifically designed for the needs of the Australian grape and wine sector.

“The future success of our sector depends on the strength and capabilities of our people. We want the best and brightest leading the Australian grape and wine community and it’s vital we support them by investing in their professional development so they can confidently lead the sector in the years to come.”

Future Leaders is coordinated by Wine Australia in partnership with the Winemakers’ Federation of Australia and Australian Vignerons.